Now that we are better equipped with aviation weather knowledge and weather resources, the next step is to utilize your own rationality to make a decision. Flying is generally a safe means of transportation, but neglecting weather hazards and forecasts can have dire consequences. As the pilot-in-command of the aircraft, a safe journey in the sky is determined by your judgement calls and decision-making ability based on the weather conditions. The main focus of this checklist will be on weather considerations, but I will also include some non-weather related factors to make this list as thorough as possible.....

1. Thoroughly scrutinize weather reports in arrival and departure airports (refer to METAR and TAF), as well as potential weather changes, en-route to your destination (pay close attention to the arrival of cold or warm fronts, as that typically indicates a weather change). Adopt a conservative approach; always expect the worse to happen; develop a plan B or a route diversion in a worst-case scenario. 

2. Check cloud ceiling, coverage, visibility, and other obscurations and landmarks at airports - especially important if you are a VFR pilot. 

3. Make sure you are in a peak physical and mental state to operate the aircraft; if you are feeling unwell, DO NOT force yourself to start the trip; you can always delay to another time. Also, make sure you are properly dressed for the temperature and weather outside. 

4. perform the standard pre-flight check of the plane: make sure the ailerons, rudder, and elevator are moving smoothly; check navigational equipment, controls, deicing functions, radio; make sure fuel is enough for a diversion when faced with poor weather. 

5. Finally, check the weather reports once again before departure; weather is generally very volatile (especially in Vancouver) and the weather reports you saw last night may be completely different as you prepare to leave. Once again, pilots must adopt this conservative mindset to ensure safety during flight.

Have Fun flying!

https://www.istockphoto.com/photos/airplane-taking-off, (retrieved Nov. 17th, 2021)